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John Mellor's Australia’s Number One Automotive Industry Journal
January 30, 2008
GoAutoAustralia’s Number One Automotive Industry Journal
news50,000 READERS WEEKLY No. 418
John Mellor's Australia’s Number One Automotive Industry Journal
BIGGER AND BETTER IN ’08
At least 11 Aussie debuts will be unveiled at this week’s Queensland showBy MARTON PETTENDY
THE Brisbane International Motor Show
(BIMS) will underline its position as the third
most signifi cant automotive event on the
country’s motor show calendar this Friday
(February 1), when the 2008 extravaganza
presents a number of Australian debuts.
As Australia’s fi rst international motor
show for the year, the 2008 BIMS will also
represent Queensland as the third-largest and
fastest-growing state for new-vehicle sales by
launching or previewing no fewer than 20 new
models among around 400 vehicles from 30
manufacturers at the Brisbane Convention and
Exhibition Centre until February 10.
A highlight of this year’s Brisbane show
will be the return by popular demand of
motorcycles after a two-year absence, with
Suzuki’s limited-edition 300km/h Hayabusa,
the same brand’s new GSX-R750, Kawasaki’s
2008 ZX-10R, Ninja 250R and KLX250R and
the BMW R1200GS among at least six two-
wheeled Australian fi rsts.
The list of four-wheeled Australian debuts
will be even more extensive and includes
national public premieres for BMW’s twin-
turbo 1 Series coupe (125i and 135i) and twin-
turbo diesel X5 (3.0sd) SUV, Citroen’s C4 HDi
and C3 HDi hatches, Fiat’s Ritmo hatch, the
facelifted Lexus GS sedan range including the
upgraded GS460 and the new LX570 SUV,
Mazda’s limited-edition RX-8 coupe, Subaru’s
Impreza WRX STi hatch, Suzuki’s Grand
Vitara diesel SUV and the Volkswagen Passat
R36 sedan.
The reveal of fi nal production versions of
Toyota’s TRD HiLux and the fi rst right-hand
drive, Australian-specifi cation iteration of
Maserati’s all-new fl agship, the GranTurismo
coupe, will also count as Australian debuts in
Brisbane.
Subaru will kick off the four-wheeled media
proceedings on Friday with the presentation of
its third-generation Impreza hatch-based STi
rally rocket. Pricing will be announced ahead
of the more refi ned and upmarket model’s
national launch next week and this time two
versions are expected to be offered.
Expect both prices to be between $60,000
and $70,000, which is a big step up from the
outgoing model’s $56,990 sticker and creates
room for another model to be positioned
between both the STi and the $39,990
turbocharged, all-wheel drive WRX upon
which it is based.
For the money, the new STi will continue
to offer blistering performance, via a tweaked
version of its current 2.5-litre fl at four-cylinder
engine that now delivers 221kW at 6000rpm
(up 15kW) and peak torque of 407Nm at
4000rpm (up 15Nm).
Next up, Citroen will give its C3 HDi and C4
HDi 2.0 turbo-diesel hatchbacks their Australian
motor show debuts. While the oil-burning C3
(a $23,990 price for which was announced in
October) is now being delivered, fi rst deliveries
of the C4 HDi 2.0 start next week.Continued next page
BMW, GM FUEL CELL FIRST DRIVES
- page 3-5
Brisbane deluge
bimFiat Ritmo
BMW 1 Series Coupe Subaru Impreza WRX STi VW Passat R36
Maserati GranTurismo Lexus LX570
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Continued from previous page
Pricing for the C4 HDi 2.0 six-speed auto,
which is powered by a 100kW/340Nm turbo-
diesel four and will offer the same equipment
level as the fl agship C4 2.0 petrol variant,
will be announced on the day in the mid-
$30,000 region. The newest C4 sprints to
100km/h in a claimed 10.4 seconds and returns
5.1L/100km.
The Aussie debut of BMW’s long-awaited
1 Series coupe will come in the form of the
135i, powered by the German brand’s brilliant
twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline petrol six. Its
225kW/400Nm is enough to push the two-door
135i to 100km/h in a claimed 5.3 seconds.
The 135i will go on sale alongside the 2.5-
litre 125i in May, with prices for both models to
be announced in Brisbane on Friday. The entry-
level 125i should arrive with a sticker price of
less than $57,000, while the 135i with M Sport
Package will be priced under $75,000.
Also making its Aussie debut from BMW
will be the X5 3.0sd, pricing for which was
announced in December at $102,800. The twin-
turbocharged diesel X5 – which delivers no
less than 200kW and 565Nm of torque, sprints
to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds and
returns combined-cycle fuel
consumption of 8.8L/100km –
will carry a similar equipment
level to the X5 3.0d Executive
($96,300), representing a
$6500 premium for the most
powerful diesel vehicle ever
sold by BMW Australia.
The storming new Passat
R36 will be Volkswagen’s
star car at Brisbane, where
the German giant will reveal
full pricing and specifi cations
ahead of the release of sedan and wagon
bodystyles in mid-2008.
Powered by Volkswagen’s new naturally-
aspirated 200kW 3.6-litre V6 and driving
through a six-speed DSG transmission and
all four wheels, the hottest Passat ever sprints
to 100km/h in a claimed 5.6 seconds (5.8
for the Estate). Expect a hefty premium over
VW’s current Passat range-topper, the 3.2 V6
4Motion sedan ($54,990), and the same $2000
price premium for the wagon.
Lexus will provide two Australian fi rsts
in Brisbane with the appearance of both its
facelifted GS sedan range and all-new LX
full-size SUV. A host of design and equipment
upgrades accompany the base GS300 and
GS450h hybrid, which go on sale immediately
after the show, while the re-powered GS460
hits Lexus showrooms in March.
The upgraded GS range-topper adopts its
4.6-litre V8 engine and world-fi rst eight-speed
automatic transmission from
last year’s new LS460 sedan
fl agship, but all revised GS
variants will represent better
value for money, especially at
the opening end of the range.
LX570 prices will not be
revealed until the new model’s
launch in April.
It is a similar situation with
Toyota’s TRD HiLux, which
makes its Australian debut in
fi nal production trim ahead of
its national launch in the second
quarter of this year, when full pricing and specs
will be announced.
Offering 25 per cent more peak power than
the standard engine’s 175kW (with peak torque
jumping from 376Nm to “well over 400Nm”),
the TRD-fettled, dual-cab 4x4 version of the
biggest-selling vehicle in Queensland in 2007
will enter production in late February, ahead of
a second-quarter launch.
Deliveries of Maserati’s new fl agship coupe,
the GranTurismo, began in December following
the announcement of pricing ($292,800) at
October’s Sydney motor show and a private
customer function last year, when a European-
spec left-hand drive example was displayed.
Hence the GranTurismo makes its local-spec
debut in Brisbane on Friday, when Australia’s
factory allocation will be known. Maserati
Australia currently holds an order bank of
nearly 160 customers for the sleek new Maser
(more than the total number of Maseratis sold
in 2007, when Quattroporte sales doubled
following the launch of the automatic version),
but is hopeful of satisfying demand this year.
Known overseas as the Bravo, Fiat’s small
Ritmo hatch will be launched nationally at
the Brisbane show, where a starting price of
$30,000 is expected to be announced. The
Italian fi ve-door will be offered with two
engines (the 110kW/230Nm 1.4 T-Jet Turbo
petrol and the 110kW/305Nm 1.9 JTD Multijet
turbo-diesel) and two equipment levels: base
Emotion and top-spec Sport.
Both trim variants will offer, as standard,
power windows/mirrors, cruise control, power
steering, remote central locking, an advanced
audio system, air-conditioning and alloy
wheels, with the Sport comprising features
like a rear spoiler, side skirts, sports seats
and pedals, larger alloys and leather interior
components. Both engines will initially be
available only with a manual transmission.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Brisbane delugeBrisbane deluge
AUSSIE DEBUTSAT BRISBANE:
BMW 135i BMW X5 3.0sd Fiat Ritmo Lexus GS460Lexus LX570Maserati GranTurismoMazda RX-8 LESubaru Impreza WRX STISuzuki Grand Vitara dieselToyota TRD HiLuxVolkswagen Passat R36
Mazda RX-8 LE
Produced by GoAuto Newsroom: Ph: (03) 9598 6477 PO Box 18, Sandringham VIC 3191 PUBLISHER: John Mellor
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JANUARY 30, 2008 Page 3
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BMW eco-car visit shows how Australia could lead the hydrogen cause
Hydrogen hopeHydrogen hope
By DAVID HASSALL
HYDROGEN remains the Holy Grail of
alternative fuels for cars and a leading global
expert believes that Australia is well-placed
to play a role in an environmentally sound
transport future.
The project manager of BMW’s innovative
Hydrogen 7 vehicle, Willi Prestl, told GoAuto
that Australia is an ideal country for hydrogen
power because – despite the current drought
– we have an abundance of energy resources
and water, from which hydrogen is made.
Australia could therefore be self-suffi cient
and also a source of liquid hydrogen for global
markets.
Having most of our population concentrated
in a small number of cities linked by major
highways also makes Australia relatively easy
to service with hydrogen fi lling stations, so we
are well-placed to be one of the early adopters
of this vital new fuel source.
And, interestingly, BMW’s hydrogen partner
is The Linde Group, which owns BOC Gases,
a company that is well-established in Australia
and has a wide distribution network.
Cars running on hydrogen emit virtually no
harmful exhaust emissions or CO2, emitting
only water vapour.
However, despite having a user-friendly
and apparently production-ready car already
built – and which GoAuto was able to drive in
Melbourne last week – BMW still says that it
will be between 2020 and 2025 before hydrogen-
powered cars will be commercially viable.
That timing coincides with BMW’s
assessment that oil production will peak
between 2025 and 2040, although the director
of the company’s CleanEnergy program,
Jochen Schmalholz, conceded that many
people believe that we have already passed
that point.
Mr Schmalholz said that “hydrogen is the
only feasible solution” to the world’s future
mobility needs.
He believes that by 2040 to 2050 liquid
hydrogen will be as readily available as petrol
is today.
There will be limited liquid hydrogen
availability around the world from 2012
as various car-makers are set to produce
hydrogen-fuelled fuel cell cars, which are
electric-powered and use hydrogen to charge
the batteries.
However, BMW has long taken a different
route down the hydrogen path and is
committed to producing hydrogen-
powered internal combustion
engines that look, drive and are
produced just like conventional
petrol-powered cars.
BMW started its hydrogen program
in 1975 and has invested heavily to
reach the stage where it has produced
a batch of 100 production-standard 7
Series-based cars for technical and
promotional purposes.
The sixth-generation series
of Hydrogen 7s were built on the regular
production line at BMW’s Dingolfi ng factory
as part of the ‘productionisation’ process.
Four of the ground-breaking Hydrogen
7 cars visited Australia as the fi rst leg of an
international awareness tour. Thousands of
people visited a special BMW marquee at
Melbourne’s Federation Square over nine
days, fi nishing on Monday.
During our drive of one of the valuable
prototypes, Mr Prestl told GoAuto that it
would take until at least 2010 to establish a
suffi ciently viable fuel distribution network
around the world.
Mr Schmalholz said it is also essential to
produce hydrogen fuel from renewable sources.
Because hydrogen is produced using electricity,
that means having suffi cient biomass, solar,
hydro or wind energy available.
He said it would take 10 to 20 years before
renewable hydrogen would be commercially
available.
In the meantime, BMW has been forced
to go down the hybrid route championed by
Toyota and followed by most other car-makers
in response to US legislative requirements.
BMW will release a hybrid version of its new
X6 by 2010.
But BMW remains fully committed to a
hydrogen future – not only because we are
running out of oil but also because of its
enormous environmental benefi ts – and the
company appears to have overcome most of
the technical challenges and drawbacks that
this new fuel provides.
FULL STORY, DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE
JANUARY 30, 2008 Page 4
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EDITOR: Terry Martin MANAGING EDITOR: Marton Pettendy JOURNALISTS: David Hassall, Philip Lord, Byron Mathioudakis, James Stanford PRODUCTION AND GRAPHICS: Chris Harris, Luc Britten SUB-EDITORS: Katrina Webb, Georgia O'Connell NEW MODEL DIARY: Lou Paolino
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‘Rewards will be rich’‘Rewards will be rich’GM calls for hydrogen infrastructure boost as GoAuto drives its FCEV
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS
GENERAL Motors has called on cities and
governments around the world to consider
developing a working hydrogen infrastructure
to help pave the way for its Fuel Cell Electric
Vehicle (FCEV) roll-out over the next decade.
Speaking at the North American International
Auto Show in Detroit earlier this month,
the executive director for GM’s Fuel Cell
Activities, Byron McCormick, revealed that an
investment of around $US200 million was all
that was needed by each US city to enable 70
per cent of the US population access, at every
3.6km, to a hydrogen dispenser.
In the longer term, Mr McCormick believes
that a $US15 billion investment would be
required to service the fi rst million FCEVs in
the top 100 urban areas in the US. This would
cover over 200,000km of highway.
As an incentive to invest in the scheme, Mr
McCormick said that the fi rst city to do so
anywhere in the world was likely to be rewarded
with a huge groundswell of related infrastructure
investment from GM and organisations related
to the project – along with probably at least
six other car-makers also seeking government
assistance. These include Toyota, Honda,
Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC and Hyundai.
“The rewards will be rich for the city that
does it properly fi rst,” Mr McCormick said.
“General Motors will go for the global city
that sets it right fi rst. It could be anywhere …
it would be great for investment and great for
jobs.”
As a result, Mr McCormick believes
that governments should strongly consider
favourable tax policies to encourage the
building of the factories and necessary
infrastructure.
Meanwhile, GM will roll out in excess
of 100 prototype FCEV vehicles – one of
which GoAuto has driven – for celebrity and
government agency use over the next 12 months
as part of its Project Driveway exercise.
Based on the US-market Chevrolet Equinox
compact-sized SUV (which is about the same
size as the Holden Captiva Maxx), the FCEV
project will enable GM to accrue real-world
consumer experience with the technology.
The Equinox FCEV is currently the world’s
largest fuel cell vehicle market test, with the
vehicle being designed to meet or exceed all
applicable US federal vehicle safety standards.
These include crash and safety development
regimes, hydrogen storage and validation
exercises, and onboard hydrogen operation
methodology.
The Equinox FCEV is a zero-emissions
vehicle powered by GM’s fourth-generation
fuel cell propulsion system. It includes driver
and front passenger airbags, anti-lock brakes,
and GM’s OnStar telematics service, which
offers advice on operating the cars as well
as information on nearby hydrogen fi lling
stations.Continued next page
Chevrolet Equinox FCEV
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Australia looks set to plug in to the Chevrolet Volt hybrid program
Tax need not be taxingHow do I buy this property, this dealership, investment or house?
Should I use a company, a family trust, a unit trust or a superannuation fund? And how do I access small business concessions?
Is it possible to borrow from your super fund?
We deal with questions and issues like this every day.
At Deloitte Motor Industry Services we work hard to help you.
For more info go to www.eprofitfocus.comor contact Peter Axiom [email protected]
Continued from previous page
According to GM, Project Driveway aims to: understand driver reactions to a FCEV’s unique ride, handling and performance characteristics; expose the operator to the hydrogen refuelling process in terms of its speed, availability and access; and gain a feeling of the overall experience that the FCEV operator gains from the project.
Mr McCormick said that the data garnered from the experience would benefi t the future development of FCEVs, as well as aid in their marketing, outreach efforts and infrastructure development.
GM promises that the Project Driveway participants will be “well cared for” with 24/7 customer service, and thorough training and information session development that will
include emergency response.Mr McCormick stressed that being fi rst
with a viable fuel cell vehicle is not enough if the infrastructure is not in place.
“GM was fi rst with EV1 (the electric vehicle of the latter 1990s) and that was a false victory,” he said. “Changing things is what GM is driving towards.”
DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE
GM calls for hydrogen infrastructure boost as GoAuto drives the Equinox FCEV
GM’s E-Flex muscleGM’s E-Flex muscle
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS
GENERAL Motors has reaffi rmed that its E-
Flex environmental vehicle is on track to make
it to market by the end of this decade, and has
indicated that Australia will be included in the
global campaign.
Speaking to Australian media in Detroit
earlier this month, GM’s vice-president for
research and development and strategic
planning Larry Burns said that a fi ve-seater
small car the size of the current Holden Astra
should be launched in the United States by
about the last quarter of 2010.
And, being badged a Chevrolet, it will be as
affordable as any current Chevy small car.
Tantalisingly, the senior GM engineer also
hinted that other GM brands such as Holden,
Saab and Opel would use the Volt brand as part
of their E-Flex environmental vehicle initiatives.
E-Flex is part of GM’s strategy to displace
petrol through energy diversity that also
includes conventional combustion engines
with hybrid drivetrains, plug-in hybrids, and
battery electric fuel cell vehicles.
The E-Flex vehicle was fi rst shown at last
year’s North American International Auto
Show in Detroit as the Chevrolet Volt. It was
perhaps the best-received vehicle at the event.
The battery-powered four-seater Volt calls
on a petrol engine only after the electric motor
runs down – which is the opposite to the Prius. It
requires six hours of (US 110 volt) mains plugging
per day for the as-yet-to-be-produced (hence the
Volt’s release delay) lithium-ion battery pack to
fully recharge, for 60km of ‘city’ driving.Continued next page
Chevrolet Volt
JANUARY 30, 2008 Page 6
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Continued from previous page
GM’s own research of 621 cases in the Los Angeles area has shown that around 80 per cent of the sample would never even see the internal combustion engine fire up during a normal day’s commute.
“This data gave GM confidence,” said GM’s global vehicle line executive and chief engineer for E-Flex Systems Frank Weber.
The 1.0-litre turbo-charged three-cylinder ‘petrol’ engine (up to E85 ethanol fuel can also be used) spins at a constant speed so no conventional gearbox is present. Basically, its job is to simply charge the battery pack. With the petrol engine running, fuel consumption is rated at 4.7L/100km, for a 1030km range.
GM claims that commuters travelling less than 100km per day can expect to use 1.6L/100km, and that driving one-third that distance daily potentially means eliminating fuel use altogether.
Bio-diesel or E100 pure ethanol fuel is also a possibility in lieu of the petrol/E85 engine.
GM also displayed a hydrogen fuel cell Volt in Detroit to showcase its packaging versatility, since such a vehicle does away with the hybrid system altogether.
The Volt’s second-generation drivetrain will be utilised in the next-generation (2009) Astra small car architecture – a global platform that will be produced at a rate of around two million units annually.
In fact, the styling for the 2011 Volt will be
frozen in the next few weeks, while its overall packaging will also be set in stone soon after.
Do not, however, look to the 2007 Volt Concept as a hint of what the production vehicle will look like: GM has since discovered some serious aerodynamics-related shortcomings that have led to a new stylistic direction.
“An aerodynamic shape helps with regenerative purposes,” Mr Weber said.
GM believes that the combined 16kWh lithium ion battery and electric motor will produce around 120kW of power. Its aim is to provide no constraints to driving ability or pleasure.
The 60km daily range was chosen as the “sweet spot” for the vast majority of urban global commuting needs. GM claims that going to 120km would require an unacceptable increase in the battery’s weight and size, coupled with a decrease in efficiency and range.
Since the Volt Concept’s 2007 debut, GM has been striving to improve the range and energy storage capabilities of the Volt through development of the lithium ion battery with suppliers such as LG Chemicals and Continental.
According to GM’s director of hybrid energy storage systems Denise Gray, a 10-year battery life is the goal.
“We need to learn more from lithium ion,” Ms Gray said, adding that prototype testing was well underway and that progress was “pretty good so far”.
Mr Weber said that this was the highest priority within GM, and that the company was working to an aggressive timeline.
Over 500 people are working full-time on the project, which was ramped up considerably following the positive reaction at the 2007 NAIAS. The number of dedicated engineers totals in excess of 200, with 25 staff assigned to interior and exterior design.
“It is not just a science program,” he said. “The more GM learns, the more GM learns of the potential for this to change the car.
“It is the only near-term technology that can fully change things.”
GoAuto Green – page 13
GM’s E-Flex muscle
Chevrolet Volt E-Flex Fuel Cell System
JANUARY 30, 2008 Page 8
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Fast and accurate service quoting solution for service departments
The car representing Cadillac’s new era in Australia deserves to succeed
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS in CALIFORNIA
CADILLAC’S intended successful return to
Australia will rest squarely on the shoulders
of this $70,000 to $80,000 rear-wheel drive
sedan.
Dubbed the CTS, it is the second-generation
version of the mid-sized luxury car that will
straddle the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series in size
as well as price when it arrives in the fourth
quarter of this year.
General Motors “Premium Channel”
personnel are not yet saying what the CTS
is targeting, but the aforementioned BMWs,
as well as the Mercedes-Benz C-class and E-
class, Audi A4 and A6, Lexus IS and GS, Alfa
Romeo 159, Volvo S80 and Volkswagen’s
upcoming Passat CC are all likely prey.
Expect it – and the Cadillac marque – to
debut at the Australian International Motor
Show in Sydney in October, with local sales
slated to start soon after.
The CTS’s BMW-rivalling credentials
include rear-wheel drive, a 51:49 front/rear
weight distribution, an extremely rigid body, a
multi-link rear suspension set-up, and advanced
direct-injection engine technology.
Under the bonnet is a Canadian-built
version of the 3564cc 3.6-litre DOHC 24-valve
Alloytec V6 with variable valve timing that
Holden manufactures in Australia.
But the Cadillac uses a Bosch direct high-
pressure (120 bar) fuel-injection device with
isolated injector technology – a world series-
production fi rst – to help achieve a 15 per cent
hike in power, eight per cent rise in torque, and
a 25 per cent cut in hydrocarbon emissions.
The fi gures are 227kW of power at 6300rpm
and 370Nm of torque at 5200rpm. Canadian
fuel consumption fi gures suggest that the CTS
consumes 11.8L/100km of standard unleaded
in the city and 7.5L/100km on the highway
run. UK CO2 emission fi gures put the Cadillac
at about 275g/km.
Australia will also see a variant with the VM
Motori-devised 2.9-litre V6 turbo-diesel in the
not-too-distant future. GM says this engine
will produce 250kW and 550Nm in standard
guise.
Channelling drive to the rear wheels is
GM’s Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic
transmission with a Tiptronic-style sequential
shift function – the Aisin AY6 six-speed
manual will not be offered – that is related to
the unit Holden offers in VE Commodores and
WM Statesman/Caprice fi tted with the 6.0-litre
Gen IV V8.
For its role in the CTS, Cadillac refi ned the
6L50 by implementing a steep fi rst gear and
tall overdrive for swift acceleration and more
relaxed cruising purposes respectively.
The CTS rides on a development of GM’s
rear-drive Sigma Architecture, which has been
evolved in recent years to encompass many
Zeta Platform (VE/WM) components.
Like all Sigma-based vehicles (large STS and
SRX crossover SUV), the CTS is manufactured
at the Lansing Grand River Assembly plant in
Michigan, USA.
According to the vehicle’s chief engineer,
Elizabeth Pilibosian, the Sigma application
in CTS II is 90 per cent new compared to the
2001 CTS original. The latest version shares its
fl oorpan and A-pillars with the STS, although
the wheelbase – at 2880mm – is the same as
the previous model.
A little smaller overall than the VE
Commodore, other CTS measurements include
a length of 4866mm, a height of 1472mm
and a width of 1842mm. The front/rear track
is 1570mm/1575mm and the kerb weight is
1757kg.
The front suspension is a short-long-arm
(SLA) arrangement with monotube shock
absorbers and a 24mm hollow anti-roll bar, while
the rear is an independent multi-link design also
employing monotube shock absorbers, as well
as a 20mm hollow anti-roll bar.
FULL STORY, DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE
Cadillac’s fresh attack - next page
CTS cuts itCTS cuts it
JANUARY 30, 2008 Page 9
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CTS coupe and wagon due in 2009, ahead of a much wider Caddy range
For more information call Tim Morris on 02 9886 0004 or 0418 321319
Want to be part of our winning formula...
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS in CALIFORNIA
CADILLAC’S capable CTS Mk2 sedan is
leading a host of Australian-bound new-model
activity from the century-old marque.
First Cad off the rank after the sedan will be
the CTS Coupe, which managed to be the best-
kept secret at this month’s North American
International Auto Show in Detroit.
Even Cadillac boss Jim Taylor was surprised
that word had not leaked out prior to the CTS
Coupe concept’s unveiling on the second press
day of the motor show.
Although Cadillac is only calling its
show-stealing two-door coupe a concept
for now, production is a certainty. Expect an
announcement later in 2008, with vehicles
arriving sometime next year.
GM product czar Bob Lutz said that both
the CTS coupe and sedan were on the drawing
board at the same time, adding that it looked so
great that “we just had to do it”.
GoAuto can also reveal that the Coupe
concept will lose very little of its lithe lines in
the transition from show car to production.
“It is much closer than you might think,”
said Cadillac CTS chief engineer Elizabeth
Pilibosian.
Exactly what powers the CTS Coupe concept
is unclear, but GM claims it is capable of using
the new direct-injection 3.6-litre V6 destined for
the CTS sedan, or a 2.9-litre turbo-diesel V6.
Expect this engine and a number of derivatives
– developed by VM Motori of Italy – to fi nd their
way across the GM range in the next two years.
It will sit on the same rear-wheel drive
Sigma platform that underpins the CTS sedan,
as well as the larger STS sedan and related
SRX crossover wagon.
The production CTS Coupe is expected at
the same Lansing facility in Michigan, USA.
A CTS wagon will also follow in 2009,
although GM refuses to confi rm this. However,
one Cadillac insider has promised that it will
possess the same levels of dynamic ability as
its well-received CTS sedan sibling.
According to the director of GM Premium
Brands Australia Parveen Batish, Australia
is scheduled to receive every CTS derivative
available.
However, this excludes the CTS-V, which
is not built in right-hand drive guise due
to packaging issues associated with the V8
installation (see next page).
More hopeful is the next-generation BLS,
which should be a much better vehicle than the
re-nosed and re-tailed version of the Saab 9-3
built in Sweden since 2006 and sold mainly in
Europe (but not the US).
While the current BLS has not lived up to
sales expectations, a GM insider has suggested
to GoAuto that the new-generation BLS – which
could be built in the US or Mexico since it
shares much of its Epsilon II architecture
with the next-generation Saab 9-5 and
9-3 due in 2009 and 2010 respectively
– will have bespoke bodywork as well as
a stronger driving character, redressing
two of the biggest criticisms levelled at
this vehicle.
If given the green light for Australia,
expect to see the BLS II after 2010. Bob Lutz
has reportedly announced that this car would
be going global.
The Epsilon II architecture’s versatility
will see it underpinning the Saab 9-4X-based
Cadillac BRX compact SUV. Unveiled in
concept car form at the Detroit Show last week
as the hybrid-powered Provoq concept, it is
virtually a certainty for Australia.
Australian input via Holden into the
replacement for the rear-wheel drive Cadillac
STS large sedan is also on the cards, as the
next-generation model – due in about 2010
– will use a revised version of the CTS’s Sigma
architecture, which is thought to use plenty of
Zeta (VE Commodore) engineering know-how
as well. The SRX crossover wagon that Sigma
also spawns may follow suit.
Details are sketchy, but GM is working
hard to rationalise the two premium rear-drive
platforms for global use.
With GM thought to be well-advanced in
the development of a smaller rear-wheel drive
range of vehicles conceived under the Alpha
platform architecture (and with the help of
Holden), a sub-CTS line (perhaps to be dubbed
“ATS”) is another future Cadillac prospect.
Mr Taylor told GoAuto in Detroit that
Cadillac would have to produce smaller
vehicles if it was to be considered a global
player, reinforcing earlier comments by Mr
Lutz that smaller, lighter and more fuel-
effi cient vehicles were the way forward for
GM, particularly amid increasingly stringent
fuel consumption and emissions regulations. Continued next page
CTS Coupe
Provoq
Cadillac’s fresh attackCadillac’s fresh attack
JANUARY 30, 2008 Page 10
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Continued from previous page
“It is, or would be, about the size of a BMW 1 Series – maybe just a tiny bit bigger to enable larger wheels” is how Mr Lutz described the Alpha architecture vehicle, if it eventuates.
“Alpha is still under consideration, but we haven’t kicked off any design work or any engineering work because we have to sort our way through this 35 MPG task,” he said.
As GoAuto has reported, both Mr Lutz and GM chairman Rick Wagoner have confi rmed Holden’s role in the development of all future rear-wheel drive vehicles for now.
“If we proceed with the Alpha architecture, I think it is safe to say that Holden would
be vitally interested in participating in that project,” Mr Lutz said.
Further down the line, we can expect to see every model Cadillac – including the full-sized luxury sedans that the brand sells as American-made alternatives to the Mercedes-Benz S-class, the successor to the XLR luxury sports convertible, and the eventual replacement for the popular Escalade SUV.
“We have already confi rmed that we will
consider every vehicle that is available to us for Australia,” a GM Premium spokesperson said.
Cadillac has not been imported into Australia through offi cial GM channels since 1969. However, several models were brought in by private concerns, including the Deville until 1973, as well as the controversially
styled “bustle backed” Seville from 1980 to 1984.
WHAT’S COMING:CTS sedan Q4 2008CTS coupe 2009CTS wagon 2009BLS II 2010BRX mid-sized SUV 2010STS large car 2010SRX large SUV 2011‘ATS’ compact 2011Escalade IV SUV 2012
Caddy’s fresh attack in Australia will include CTS coupe, wagon - and much more
HSV CTS-V tipHSV CTS-V tip
By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS and TERRY MARTIN
CADILLAC’S decision not to produce a right-
hand drive version of its bahn-storming CTS-V
has been described as “a tragedy” by General
Motors vice-chairman Bob Lutz, but the
product czar has suggested that Holden Special
Vehicles could be contracted to produce a
turbocharged V6 in lieu of a V8.
Speaking to the Australian media in Detroit
earlier this month at the unveiling of the V8-
powered version of the compact Cadillac CTS
sedan, Mr Lutz blamed its production limitations
on a lack of space in the engine bay.
“When we put the 6.3-litre V8 engine and
put all the plumbing in we ran out of real estate
(under the bonnet),” Mr Lutz explained. “And
it is a tragedy. Australians are going to be
deprived.”
GM is on record for stating that all future
Cadillac products will be devised in both left-
and right-hand drive styles.
CTS chief engineer Elizabeth Pilibosian
backed up Mr Lutz’s explanation. A veteran of
three decades with GM, she told GoAuto that
there was simply no more room for the modifi ed
engine and its auxiliary components to fi t when
switched from left to right-hand drive.
“It just couldn’t be done,” Mrs Pilibosian
said. “And believe me, we tried.”
However, Mr Lutz did not rule out the
possibility of a locally modifi ed version of the
CTS, suggesting that HSV might be up to the
job to provide a viable alternative.
“Local suppliers will probably fi gure out
how to do a turbocharged version of the V6
– which is pretty easy,” he hinted. “You can get
your 500bhp that way.
“You can talk to HSV – I’m sure they will be
able to knock up a little something.”
HSV managing director Scott Grant told
GoAuto this week that the Aussie go-fast
division would consider Cadillac models but
it “currently has no plans” to produce a high-
performance derivative of the CTS.
“However, as part of our brief to scour the
General Motors world for new technologies
to introduce to the Australian marketplace, we
would not rule out evaluating Cadillac product
in the future, for inclusion in the HSV range,”
he said.
Cadillac is also expected to develop a CTS-
V version of the Coupe that was unveiled at
the North American International Auto Show
in concept car form, as well as the still-secret
CTS wagon. However, like the sedan, these too
will probably only be built in left-hand drive
format.
No V8 CTS for Oz but Lutz is ‘sure’ about boosting V6
JANUARY 30, 2008 Page 11
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Quality questQuality questChrysler claims it has improved cabin quality across its brands
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By JAMES STANFORD
CHRYSLER claims it is ready to deliver
much-improved interiors in response to
stinging criticism over its level of quality.
Interior quality has long been a problem
for Chrysler, as well as for its Dodge and Jeep
brands, and has attracted more attention as the
company strives for increased international
sales.
Speaking to GoAuto in the US earlier this
month, Chrysler LLC’s international sales,
marketing and business development chief Mike
Manley said that the American manufacturer
had moved to lift interior quality.
“We listened very hard about 12 to 18
months ago to the feedback we were getting
on our vehicles,” Mr Manley said. “We put
in place an interior styling studio which Tom
(LaSorda) ordered.”
Mr Manley said the new design
studio immediately started work
on interior refreshes and model
year changes, which mark a big
improvement over the existing
models.
“As we move from ’07 to ’08
model upgrades that we have been
able to do, especially on Jeep …
you will begin to see that work
come through,” he said. “On next-
generation vehicles you will see the
next evolution of that – again that is in direct
response to the feedback.”
The man in charge of doubling Chrysler’s
international sales in fi ve years said that although
he did not agree with all the criticism labelled at
some of the company’s vehicles, he agreed the
company had to take action.
“Although I do think that some of the
feedback on some of the Chrysler vehicles
has been particularly harsh, and I wouldn’t
necessarily agree with all of it, at the end of
the day we have to listen to our customers and
respond,” he said.
“As a company, if we get feedback saying
our interior isn’t where it needs to be, just for
us to ignore that will not help us to achieve the
growth we need as an organisation.”
Mr Manley said the importance of car
interiors was increasing in the US, but
international markets were still more
demanding. He said of the US: “It’s lagging
behind what I see in international
markets, Australia, Japan, for
example, and some of the European
markets, but interiors are becoming
much, much more important in the
purchase decision.”
Mr Manley argued that high
expectations of interiors in Dodge
cars were not in line with their
price points. “If you take Avenger
and Sebring, for example, the
feedback that I get from markets
outside NAFTA (North American Free Trade
Agreement countries) is that clearly the
Sebring interior is of a better standard than the
Avenger,” he said.
“Now, the Avenger was targeted very
specifi cally as a value vehicle in that segment,
and if what you are looking for are those luxury
appointments, then Dodge probably isn’t the
brand for you, it is probably Chrysler,” he said.
When it came to Sebring, Mr Manley
said quality would be improved. “I get less
feedback on Sebring than I do on Avenger. But
on Sebring as you see the refreshes that we will
do, we will continue to see the evolution of the
interior,” he said.
Several Chrysler group models with 2008
changes are about to go on sale in the US and
will start to appear in Australia in the next
few months. Interior upgrades include softer
plastics, more regular panel gaps and more
luxurious leather.
Mr Manley said Chrysler responded to the
customer demands quickly, but said it took
time to implement the changes. “As you know
with product development, even with refreshes,
these things take a little bit of time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chrysler announced last week
that it was realigning its product development
organisation into fi ve teams – Jeep, Truck
(Dodge), Street and Racing Technology (the SRT
performance brand), Car and Minivan (full-size
cars, current mid-size vehicles and minivans),
and, most interestingly, a “future mid-size
product team” responsible for development of
future mid-size vehicles for global markets.
The latter will develop new-generation
medium-sized vehicles for international
consumption, along the lines of the mid-size
Dodge Journey crossover due for release to
world markets later this year.
Chrysler also said it would expand its
engineering activities in key global centres,
namely China, India, Eastern Europe and
Mexico. – with TERRY MARTIN
Dodge Avenger
Mike Manley
JANUARY 30, 2008 Page 12
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Daimler boss reveals Smart could expand into new market segments
Customer solutions to drive your business
The customer contact specialists for the automotive industry.• Customer loyalty initiatives• Concern resolution• Customer retention/acquisition programs• Market research
Contact us on 03 8627 6153 or [email protected]
By JAMES STANFORD
DAIMLER AG is confi dent that its reborn
Smart micro-car brand will be successful in the
United States, and its chairman Dieter Zetsche
has revealed that the line-up could expand into
new market segments for global consumption.
Having had its model line-up hacked back
from three to one after losing several billion
dollars, Smart was introduced in the US earlier
this month – just prior to the Detroit auto show
– with the second-generation ForTwo, which
gets it power from an un-American-like 52kW
1.0-litre engine.
Daimler hopes its expensive problem child
will capture the imagination of the biggest
market in the world, especially as global
warming concerns and record oil prices
force Americans to look at smaller, greener
vehicles.
Dr Zetsche told GoAuto in Detroit that
the introduction of Smart into the
US was an important step for the
company.
“We will start delivering the
largest market in the world with
the smallest vehicle in the world,”
he said, adding that there were
strong indications Smart would be
a hit in the US. “All the signals are
extremely positive, but it is not just
signals, it is reservations and down-
payments.”
According to Dr Zetsche, building enough
Smart cars to meet demand could be the biggest
issue for the brand.
“We are convinced that 2008 will be
exclusively defi ned by production capacity,”
he said.
DaimlerChrysler came close to launching
Smart in the US earlier this decade, but shelved
the plans just weeks before the 2005 North
American International Auto Show.
The plan then was to launch the Smart brand
with the ForMore, a four-wheel drive version
of the ForFour.
That was until DaimlerChrysler, stung by
Smart’s mounting losses, decided to halt work
on the ForMore project and axe all models
bar the ForTwo, including the image-leading
Roadster.
Dr Zetsche said the Smart brand
had been “a big hole for money” but
had now returned to profi tability
after the restructuring that cost the
company $1.3 billion.
The severity of the model
pruning that took place at Smart
might suggest Daimler would
never consider adding any other
models alongside the ForTwo, but
Dr Zetsche told GoAuto that is not
necessarily the case.
“As for expanding the line-up is concerned,
we will not repeat doing what we did before,
to do some, more or less, ‘me-too’ products in
other segments,” he said.
“The only way to expand the Smart brand
is to have ideas in other areas where we can
be unique as well. This we would add to the
ForTwo, otherwise (we would) not.”
While Daimler has been battling to make its
Smart brand profi table, its major rival BMW
has been enjoying much more success with its
affordable Mini brand.
While Dr Zetsche was quick to acknowledge
the achievement of Mini under the control of
BMW, he also suggested the operation was not
as profi table as many experts had made out.
“There is no doubt Mini is a striking
success and I congratulate them for that, but
I don’t think it is their biggest money-making
machine,” he said.
Daimler claims more than 30,000 people
from across the US submitted $99 refundable
deposits on Smart cars last year. Although it is
yet to announce a total number at this stage, the
German manufacturer said a “vast majority” of
deposits should be converted into sales.
Smart plans to have 74 dealerships operating
across the country by the end of the year, with
all but six in operation by the end of February.
Around two thirds of the Smart dealerships will
be aligned to existing Mercedes-Benz dealers.
The second-generation Smart ForTwo will
go on sale in Australia next month.
At this stage it will only be available with
a petrol engine. There is a possibility that an
even more miserly diesel engine could join the
Australian range at some stage in the future,
although for the time being Smart currently only
produces the diesel model in left-hand drive.
Smart redirectionSmart redirection
Dieter Zetsche
Smart ForTwo
Green JANUARY 30, 2008 Page 13
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Green Green issues in the auto world
GoAuto Green is brought to you by Custom FleetPart of GE Commercial Finance
THE FLEET MANAGEMENT
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By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISSIGNIFICANTLY cleaner, cheaper and environmentally sound ethanol is the outcome of General Motors’ new partnership with US specialists Coskata Inc.
Announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which ended last week, GM managing director and CEO Rick Wagoner described Coskata’s ethanol-making process as “a breakthrough technology that affordably and efficiently makes ethanol from practically any renewable source”.
GM has an undisclosed equity stake in Coskata, which was established in 2006.
In a nutshell, instead of using water-intensive, grain-based material that potentially impacts on the global food chain, GM/Coskata ethanol uses “practically any renewable source, including garbage, old tyres and plant waste” in a bio-fermentation process that uses bacteria that breathe in CO2 and other gases and exhale ethanol, which then goes into bio-fuel production and results in fuel-grade ethanol.
Depending on which material is used, the waste from this process is water, and some ash, which Coskata CEO Bill Roe described as harmless.
The potential is global, with GM and Coskata
suggesting woodchips as the preferable renewable resource because it is plentiful and available, particularly as existing paper mills can be converted to help with global ethanol production.
The Illinois-based company promised that its technology can be employed “practically anywhere in the world where a carbon-based feedstock is available”.
GM has yet to announce whether Holden in Australia will take up the process.
Coskata says it “uses a proprietary process that leverages patented micro-organisms and bioreactor designs to produce ethanol for less than $US1 ($A0.89) a gallon (3.785 litres), about half of today’s cost of producing gasoline”.
Mr Roe revealed that the process creates 7.7 times the energy that it consumes; that very little fossil fuels are required – resulting in up to an 84 per cent reduction in greenhouse gasses) and that less than a litre of water is required to produce the same amount of ethanol.
“We are very excited about what this breakthrough will mean to the viability of biofuels and, more importantly, to our ability
to reduce dependence on petroleum,” GM chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner said.
Coskata claims that its process addresses many of the well-publicised issues relating to grain-based ethanol production.
In a press release issued at the Detroit show, Coskata said that, according to the Argonne National Laboratory, which analysed Coskata’s process, for every unit of energy used, it generates up to 7.7 times that amount of energy, and it reduces CO2
emissions by up to 84 per cent compared with a well-to-wheel analysis of petrol.
“Coskata’s process uses less than a gallon of water to make a gallon of ethanol compared to three gallons or more for other processes,” the company said.
GM claims it will receive its first Coskata ethanol from a pilot plant late this year, with testing of the fuel to be conducted at its Milford Proving Grounds in Michigan.
With over one million vehicles produced annually and with some 3.5 million on the road globally, GM is currently the largest supplier of ‘flex-fuel’ vehicles that can run on E85 – any blend of ethanol and petrol that totals to 85 per cent ethanol – or petrol only.
Coskata said it will be in full ethanol production within three years.
“We will have our first commercial-scale plant making 50 to 100 million gallons of ethanol running in 2011, and that includes the two years it will take to build the plant,” Mr Roe said.
“There is no question in my mind that making ethanol more widely available is absolutely the most effective and environmentally sound solution,” Mr Wagoner added.
“And it’s one that can be acted on immediately.”
GM taps into breakthrough technology that produces ethanol from waste
Waste not, want not
The Coskata Process
Bioreactions take place in a fermenter, generating ethanol
JANUARY 30, 2008 Page 14
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CLARK TAKES ELFIN REINSFOLLOWING Chris Payne’s departure as the chief executive of Elfin Sports Cars and Walkinshaw Performance Products, the Walkinshaw Group (which includes Holden Special Vehicles) has promoted HSV engineering manager John Clark to general manager of both Elfin and Walkinshaw Performance.
Mr Clark has been HSV’s chief engineer for the past eight years. He has been replaced by Joel Stoddart, who has worked for HSV for almost 10 years in a range of positions including AWD engineering program manager and, most recently, product line executive.
McCANN LEADS ADP DSAUTOMOTIVE retail computer systems supplier ADP Dealer Services has appointed Grahame McCann as its new general manager in Australia.
Mr McCann has more than 25 years’ experience in the automotive and IT industry with companies such as Inchcape, Newman’s Information Services and the NAB. Most recently, he has spent the past five years running his own service-related business in NSW.
“Grahame’s automotive, IT and recent business experiences bring to ADP a broad range of important skills in the growth of ADP Dealer Services in Australia,” the company said in a statement.
ADP Dealer Services offers a range of software that is widely recognised and supported by car manufacturers and importers across a range of brands. According to the company, ADP products are in use at more than 14,000 locations in 50 countries worldwide.
CAPITAL MOVE FOR MALLISCAPITAL Fleetlease has appointed Michael Mallis to the newly created position of Western Australia sales manager.
Formerly WA state manager for GE Fleet Services, Mr Mallis has extensive experience in the fleet leasing and management sector in a career spanning more than two decades.
Capital Fleetlease is the fleet leasing arm of Capital Finance Australia Limited, a subsidiary of HBOS Australia Pty Ltd. HBOS Australia comprises three other financial services companies in BankWest, St Andrew’s Insurance and BOS International (Australia) Ltd.
“Michael’s vast knowledge of the WA market also provides an important resource to Capital Fleetlease as it establishes and expands its national presence to complement the services already offered by the Corporate Group,” said Capital Fleetlease senior manager – fleet, Barry Young.
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The Great Godzilla
MOTOR racing legend Sir Jack Brabham OBE, renewable energy pioneer Hans Tholstrup and motor industry stalwart John Fotheringham were among the automotive identities to make this year’s Australia Day Honours List.
Sir Jack was appointed an Officer of the Order of the Australia and his citation read:
“For service to motorsport as an ambassador, mentor and promoter of safety, and to the community through support of charitable organisations”. The AO adds to the triple world Formula One champion’s 1979 knighthood. He was
also appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1966.
Credited with creating and building the world’s first solar-powered car, Mr Tholstrup was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia “for service to conservation and the environment through the development of renewable energy technology and the exploration of alternative fuel sources”. Among his achievements are crossing Australia in a solar car and establishing the World Solar Challenge, which is considered the biggest solar car race in the world.
Recently retired as CEO of the Royal Automobile Association of South Australia after 19 years at the helm, Mr Fotheringham also became a Member of the Order of
Australia for “service to the motoring and insurance industries, particularly through leadership roles, the promoting of road safety, and as an advocate for motorists and the community”.
Meanwhile, David Russell has just been appointed chief executive of RAA Insurance (SA), filling the role left vacant since last July when Ian Stone replaced Mr Fotheringham as CEO of the RAA. Mr Russell was previously employed by SGIC/SGIO as SA/WA sales and distribution manager.
John Clark
AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS FOR BRABHAM, THOLSTRUP, FOTHERINGHAM
Sir Jack Brabham
Hans Tholstrup
Joel Stoddart
Grahame McCann
Michael Mallis
If you have any car industry personnel announcements, please email them to
Terry Martin at
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JANUARY 30, 2008 Page 15
John Mellor's
GoAutonewsSUBSCRIBE FREE: www.mellor.net
FORD of Europe has created some cracking cars over the years. Tragically, though, we have missed out on a few – Puma, S-Max and Capri 2800i spring to mind. And it appeared that we were not going to see the Mondeo MkIII either, after the poor sales performance of the fi rst-generation models of the 1990s. But you can’t keep a brilliant car away forever, and the latest version of a lineage that commenced with the Consul Cortina back in 1962 undoubtedly rates as one of the world’s fi nest family cars. The big Ford from Belgium has almost got it all. If you are in the market for a sub-$40,000 fi ve-seater of any shape or description, the latest Mondeo must make it on your ‘to try’ list. So go on, we dare you – it’s that good. Case in point: Zetec 2.3-litre petrol sedan.
GoAuto’s latest car review www.goauto.com.au
Launch Padbrought to you by
CAR REVIEW: CLICK HERE
Ford Mondeo Zetec sedan
It just works.Get us working for you. Become a Carsales dealer 1300 308 690
JANUARY:Audi A5 3.2 FSI MultitronicAudi Q7 4.2 TDIBMW 320dBMW 335i TouringFiat Punto Turbo SportFPV F6-XMitsubishi 380 Platinum EditionNissan Dualis
New model diary: CLICK HERE
F6-X
Dualis
NEW FALCON DRAWS NEARAS FINAL-PHASE development work
continues on the all-new Orion Falcon
– examples of which are being increasingly
seen on public roads, such as this one taken
last week by GoAuto reader Michael Williams
– Ford Australia has revealed that it will stage
its offi cial public reveal of the large sedan on
Sunday, February 17.
LANCER HATCH ON WAYMITSUBISHI has released images of a hot
hatch version of the Lancer small car ahead of
its debut at the Geneva motor show in March.
Expected on sale in Australia later this year,
the fi ve-door is being shown under the banner
of Lancer Prototype-S and combines a number
of elements seen on the Ralliart Lancer shown
in Detroit earlier this month – including the
177kW/343Nm 2.0-litre turbo engine, SST
twin-clutch gearbox, full-time 4WD and Evo-
inspired nose – with a sleek liftback rear end.
There’s still no sign yet of a hatchback Evo.
MAZDA2 3-DOOR COMINGMAZDA will reveal a three-door version of the
Mazda2 light car at the Geneva motor show in
March ahead of an Australian debut mid-year.
It is expected the three-door will give Mazda
a chance to offer a lower entry-level price for
its Mazda2 range, which currently kicks off in
Australia at $16,500. The Japanese car-maker
did not sell a three-door version of its fi rst-
generation Mazda2 hatch.
VE WAGON READY TO ROLLGM HOLDEN has announced details of its VE
Sportwagon range, which has been substantially
expanded over the VZ station wagon line-
up. While the VZ wagon was offered in only
three model variants, the VE Sportwagon will
be offered in seven. The new Commodore
wagon will be shown in production form at
the Melbourne International Motor Show from
February 29 and will go on sale before July.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
CLC HERE MID-YEARMERCEDES-Benz has added a new acronym
to its model range with the introduction of the
CLC – the replacement for the C-class Sports
Coupe, which the company says won many
new buyers to the brand. The two-door CLC
will go on sale in Europe in May with a six-
model line-up consisting of two turbo-diesels,
two supercharged four-cylinder petrol engines
and two V6 models. Australian sales will
commence soon after, probably in July. FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
STOUSH OVER TOP SPOTGENERAL Motors is being labelled as the
world’s second-largest auto-maker – now behind
Toyota Motor Corp – after the American auto
giant last week revealed that it had sold 9,369,524
vehicles in 2007. Toyota is still to issue an offi cial
total (due next month), but overseas reports this
week indicate that the Japanese manufacturer
fi nished with 9,366,418 sales. Yes, that is a paltry
3106 units behind GM, but GM’s fi gure includes
the Chinese Wuling brand (accounting for
516,435 units) in which it holds just a 34 per cent
stake. SAIC is the major shareholder with 50.1
per cent. In its breakdown of sales, GM included
the following footnote: “Wuling volumes are
included in China due to the combination of the
market environment and GM’s equity position.”
Orion Falcon
Prototype-S
CLC
